Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bread for this recipe?

You can certainly use alternative breads, but the texture will differ from the traditional version. Whole wheat bread tends to be denser and may not achieve the same light crispiness. For gluten-free options, choose varieties that hold together well when moistened. You might need to adjust frying time slightly depending on the bread density.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

While Hong Kong-Style French Toast is definitely an indulgent treat, you can make a few adjustments. Try using a natural peanut butter without added sugars, air-frying instead of deep-frying (though the texture will be different), or using a light drizzle of honey instead of sweetened condensed milk. Just keep in mind these changes will create a different—though still delicious—experience from the traditional version.

What's the difference between regular French toast and Hong Kong-Style French Toast?

Regular French toast typically consists of a single slice of bread soaked in an egg mixture and fried, then topped with maple syrup. Hong Kong-Style French Toast features a sandwich (usually with peanut butter) that's quickly dipped in egg mixture, deep-fried until golden, and topped with butter and sweetened condensed milk. The Hong Kong version is crispier, has a filling, and features different toppings.

Can I prepare the sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the peanut butter sandwiches up to a day ahead and store them wrapped in the refrigerator. However, I recommend dipping in the egg mixture and frying just before serving for the best texture and experience. Pre-dipped sandwiches will become soggy if they sit too long before frying.

Hong Kong-Style French Toast Recipe

Name: Hong Kong-Style French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Hong Kong
Ingredients: 8 slices (1/2-inch thick) country white sandwich bread, pan de mie, or milk bread; 4 tablespoons peanut butter, divided; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons whole milk; 1 pinch kosher salt; 2 cups neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable); 4 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, divided; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

This indulgent Hong Kong-Style French Toast transforms ordinary sandwich bread into a spectacular sweet treat that’s crispy on the outside and deliciously gooey on the inside. With peanut butter tucked between golden-fried bread slices and topped with melting butter and sweetened condensed milk, this iconic Hong Kong diner classic brings cafe vibes straight to your kitchen in just 15 minutes. Perfect for weekend brunch or an impressive dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Impressive: From start to finish, you’ll have this restaurant-worthy dish ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for impressing weekend guests or satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
Textural Paradise: The contrast between the crispy, golden exterior and the warm, melty peanut butter center creates an absolutely irresistible eating experience.
Customizable: While traditional Hong Kong French toast uses peanut butter, you can easily swap in different fillings to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert, making it beloved by both kids and adults alike. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Neutral Oil: Provides the perfect frying medium for achieving that signature golden crust without imparting its own flavor. Make sure you have enough for deep frying.
White Sandwich Bread: The foundation of our dish. Country white, pan de mie, or milk bread all work beautifully thanks to their soft texture and mild flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine.
Peanut Butter: Creates that wonderful gooey center. The natural oils in peanut butter also help create an extra-rich texture in the final dish.
Eggs: Acts as our coating that creates that magical transformation from regular sandwich to crispy French toast. They provide structure and richness.
Milk: Works with eggs to create a richer coating. Just a small amount helps thin the egg mixture to the perfect consistency.
Salt: A tiny pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness. Don’t skip this seemingly minor ingredient!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The crowning glory that creates that distinctive Hong Kong flavor profile. It brings a silky sweetness that can’t be replicated with regular sugar.
Butter: Adds a final touch of richness and creates that beautiful melting moment when served hot. That little puddle of melted butter mixing with condensed milk is pure magic.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Fillings

While peanut butter is traditional, try Nutella, cookie butter, jam, or even a slice of cheese for a sweet-savory twist.

Fruity Addition

Slice some bananas or strawberries into the peanut butter layer for added freshness and flavor.

Spice It Up

Add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla to your egg mixture for subtle aromatic notes.

Coconut Twist

Replace some of the oil with coconut oil and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical variation.

How to Make Hong Kong-Style French Toast

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat your neutral oil in a large high-sided skillet until it reaches 350°F. Using a thermometer ensures you hit that sweet spot where the bread fries quickly without burning or becoming oil-soaked.

Step 2: Prepare the Sandwiches

Spread peanut butter evenly on four bread slices, leaving a small border around the edges. This border helps seal the sandwiches when cooking. Top with remaining bread slices and trim off the crusts for that classic look and texture.

Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture

Whisk together eggs, milk, and salt in a shallow dish until well combined. This mixture will create that distinctive French toast exterior while adding richness.

Step 4: Dip and Fry

Working two sandwiches at a time, quickly dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, coating all sides. Don’t let them soak—just a quick dip does the trick! Immediately place in hot oil and fry until deep golden brown, about 1½ minutes per side.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Briefly drain the fried toast on paper towels to remove excess oil. Transfer each piece to individual plates while still hot.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

Immediately top each piece with sweetened condensed milk and a pat of butter. Serve right away while hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Oil Temperature Matters: Keep your oil between 340-360°F. Too cool and the toast absorbs too much oil; too hot and it burns before cooking through.
Work Quickly: Once you dip the sandwich in egg, get it into the oil immediately to prevent sogginess.
Proper Sealing: Press the edges of your sandwiches slightly before cutting off crusts to help seal in the peanut butter.
Less is More with Egg Dip: A quick dip rather than a soak ensures crispy exteriors instead of eggy, soggy results.
Fresh Bread Works Best: Slightly dry bread absorbs too much egg mixture, while super-fresh bread maintains its structure better.

How to Serve

Classic Style

Serve immediately after topping with butter and condensed milk—watching that butter melt into the condensed milk is half the experience!

Breakfast Spread

Create a Hong Kong breakfast experience by serving alongside milk tea and fresh fruit for a complete cafe-style meal.

Dessert Elevation

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an incredible dessert presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture will change, but the flavor remains delicious.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the texture suffers significantly when thawed.

Reheating

To restore some crispiness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible as it makes the toast soggy. Add fresh toppings after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bread for this recipe?

You can certainly use alternative breads, but the texture will differ from the traditional version. Whole wheat bread tends to be denser and may not achieve the same light crispiness. For gluten-free options, choose varieties that hold together well when moistened. You might need to adjust frying time slightly depending on the bread density.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

While Hong Kong-Style French Toast is definitely an indulgent treat, you can make a few adjustments. Try using a natural peanut butter without added sugars, air-frying instead of deep-frying (though the texture will be different), or using a light drizzle of honey instead of sweetened condensed milk. Just keep in mind these changes will create a different—though still delicious—experience from the traditional version.
What’s the difference between regular French toast and Hong Kong-Style French Toast?

Regular French toast typically consists of a single slice of bread soaked in an egg mixture and fried, then topped with maple syrup. Hong Kong-Style French Toast features a sandwich (usually with peanut butter) that’s quickly dipped in egg mixture, deep-fried until golden, and topped with butter and sweetened condensed milk. The Hong Kong version is crispier, has a filling, and features different toppings.
Can I prepare the sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the peanut butter sandwiches up to a day ahead and store them wrapped in the refrigerator. However, I recommend dipping in the egg mixture and frying just before serving for the best texture and experience. Pre-dipped sandwiches will become soggy if they sit too long before frying.

Final Thoughts

This Hong Kong-Style French Toast brings a wonderful piece of Asian cafe culture right to your kitchen. I love how something so simple—bread, peanut butter, and a few basic ingredients—transforms into such a magnificent treat with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking to shake up your weekend brunch routine or impress friends with something different, this crispy, gooey, sweet concoction delivers maximum flavor for minimal work. Give it a try this weekend—I promise your breakfast game will never be the same!